If you read the last blog you know we struggled to find an affordable Airbnb in Billings, and we were about to give up. But we took one final look and a new listing popped up! It was a tiny house on the South Side of town (maybe not the best neighborhood) and there was only one picture of the exterior and no reviews - but the price was right so we contacted the host. It turned out Spencer had other Airbnbs with good reviews so we agreed to be his first guests. The best part was he asked us to help turn this gem-in-the-rough into a comfortable home.

After staying in 260 Airbnbs we feel we know a thing or two about what’s required for a comfortable stay. It doesn’t matter if it’s a mansion or a man cave (and we’ve stayed in both) the basics are the same.

First, the place must be sparkling clean. There needs to be space for personal items like clothing, bathroom necessities, and a bit of food in the kitchen. A good bed made with high-quality bedding is non-negotiable. Fluffy towels, a decent shower, and amenities like shampoo and soap are next. A kitchen where you can easily prepare breakfast and simple meals turns a listing into a home. Finally, strong WiFi, and an inviting space to read and relax under pleasant lighting round out the list. For us, a big table and some outdoor space (even a small balcony) are also high on the list. If we can count on these things in an Airbnb - the rest is all bonus.

Our host Spencer and his girlfriend Darlene had a good start on improving what we dubbed “The Charlie Brown House”. The interior was freshly painted, the carpets cleaned, and some basic furniture procured. An air-conditioning unit was installed and Spencer dropped off a new Roku Smart TV. The pillow-top mattress was also new and the towels and linens were good quality.

Considering the size of the house - about 800 square feet, the location, and being considerate of Spencer’s pocketbook, I knew our work wasn’t going to be featured on the latest home-makeover show. The goal was to add some touches that would make it feel like home and to make sure the kitchen had the things I always wish for in an Airbnb (okay, maybe not a Cuisinart and a Kitchenaid) but good knives, a cutting board, decent cookware. And ice-cube trays and a corkscrew - two things that are often missing!

We found a really good thrift store within walking distance from the house so that’s where I started. Just a few blocks further into town I found an antique mall, and a bus ride across town got me to the Goodwill. Between those three places, I found just about everything you see in the pictures. Although I bought the National Parks prints from my nephew David’s Etsy shop called PopMat. The kitchen goods (not shown) were a mix of things from Goodwill and Target. The thrift store score was a $40 Emile Henri deep dish casserole for just $5.

It was a fun project and I feel we made a difference for future guests. So if you find yourself in Billings, you now have a comfortable, affordable little home to stay in. Tell Spencer The Senior Nomads sent you!

We saw Spencer and Darlene so often they invited us out for a day to explore the natural beauty surrounding Billings. We were thrilled since we didn’t have a car and we’d seen just about all you could see on foot and on the local buses. Speaking of which, before I tell you about our day out - I’ll give a little shoutout to the Billings Metro Bus system. First of all, a dollar goes a long way for seniors. Second, the drivers will pick you up or drop you off anywhere that’s safe along the route. There are a few actual stops - but really, it’s up to you where you get on or off. But best of all, the drivers are kind and friendly. They seem to know most of the riders and have a “Hello John - how’s the family?” rapport with them. On the downside, all the drivers take a lunch break between 12:00 and 1:30 so there is no service anywhere in town, and buses do not run on Sunday.

I had a medical appointment in an area called The Heights and we took the bus to get there. Michael was going to wave his Bullock sign along the main road while I was in the clinic. But just as the bus pulled away we realized we’d left our backpack on the seat. Because we were going to do some writing at a coffee shop for a change of pace, our laptops, Kindles, cords, and the battery charger were inside. Basically, everything you wouldn’t want to lose or be stolen. Michael was in a bit of a panic! He stuck his head in the window of the nearest car sitting in traffic and asked the startled woman at the wheel if she would “follow that bus!” Not being a hundred percent sure of what she was committing too, she still said “Sure! Get in!" For the next 15 minutes, they chased the #5 but couldn’t get close enough until they reached the end of the line, where the drivers take a break.

Meanwhile, they had to clear seven busy round-about traffic circles. Michael’s guardian angel was so scared of merging in and out of circular traffic that she was ready to give up. But she steeled herself and drove like mad until they caught up with the bus. Todd the driver had safely tucked our backpack next to his seat. Michael’s prayers had been answered. Kathy, the hero of the story was happy to have helped a stranger and hopefully cured her Roundaboutaphobia.

Back to the car trip. Our itinerary included a stop in the quaint town of Red Lodge, then a scenic drive over Bear Tooth Pass, returning to Billings via Chief Joseph Pass. Spencer made a great guide, sharing colorful anecdotes and historical landmarks along the way. We were finally getting to see what the fuss was about when it comes to Montana’s magnificent landscape.

There isn’t anything quant about Billings, so Red Lodge was a nice change. Its postcard-perfect main street was festooned with American flags fluttering on both sides among bountiful hanging flower pots. There were plenty of charming shops and bars and restaurants. And a chance to have a Huckleberry Ice Cream Sandwich for a late morning snack. When an endless stream of Harley’s rumbled down the street - with their low growl and colorful, leather-clad pilots, we knew we were in the heartland of America.

The switchback drive to the top of Bear Tooth was all oooh’s and aaah’s from our backseat vantage point. We stopped often to survey the landscape and enjoyed a picnic lunch at a campground on a tranquil lake. The mosquitos were aggressive even with bug spray so we didn’t linger. The drive home over Chief Joseph Pass was equally spectacular which made us even more excited about our upcoming road trip.

We didn’t know ahead of time, but a stop at the Edgar Bar was on the agenda. This popular drinking establishment sits about 30 miles outside of Billings on a wide spot in the road in the town of Edgar. But it is known around the county for its generous servings of homestyle food - especially big steaks, seafood and pies. The craft beer list was also impressive.

Now we knew why Spencer asked us earlier in the day if we like shrimp. Sure, we like shrimp because we’re from Seattle where shrimp live. Don’t you really want to know if we like Bison? Or Rocky Mountain Oysters (not be be confused with another PNW delicacy)? He explained that Edgars was famous for its Jumbo Shrimp - either deep-fried or smothered in butter and garlic. At a whopping 6 to 8 ounces each, one was enough! Michael went for deep-fried pickle slices. I posted a picture on The Senior Nomads Instagram page and it lit up with comments including “Deep-fried pickles will change your life!” Not sure I’d go that far, but they were good. The frosty Moose Drool Ale might have been enlightening, but we stuck with Coors.

We did what we could for the Bullock for Senate campaign in Billings, but it was time to move on. We rented a car and began our tour of Western Montana with our first stop in Bozeman. Michael waved his Bullock sign downtown for a while and then we met the sister and husband of a good friend at their home for dinner. Laura and Steve treated us to a socially distanced all American dinner of BBQ ribs, potato salad, corn on the cob, watermelon, and brownies on the deck. They have a beautiful home and yard that we admired but are still happy not to be homeowners. Steve is a retired wildlife veterinarian who spent many years inside Yellowstone National Park working with elk and bison. He gave us some great tips on our upcoming visit.

On the way out of town, we stopped at the Museum of the Rockies where we tried to wrap our heads around the fact that a whole lot of dinosaurs stomped around Montana. Really? Yes. Really. I will rewatch Jurrasic Park with Michael (who hasn’t seen it) and be more frightened than I was the first time I saw it many years ago!

Next up a magical visit to Yellowstone National Park where often it was just us and a Buffalo on the road. Where was everyone?

Thanks for following along,

Debbie and Michael Campbell
The Senior Nomads